Wonderfully Made

Before the moon and stars did shine
God had you upon his mind.
Before the sands of time flowed down,
He designed you to abound.

So look upon this day with faith
That God will lead you to a place
Filled with the wonder of His glory
Taking part in his redemption story.

Don’t give in to fear and doubt
Or let your spirit sit and pout
Strive with integrity to reach your goal
Breath God’s word to revive your soul.

Live Treasured

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Healing for the Broken Soul

Feeling Shattered by the storms in your way?
Or Are you Broken hearted throughout the day?
Do you wonder if you’ll ever be whole?
Are you looking at life with a broken soul…?

Does the struggle linger on for days on end?
Are you searching for answers or a consoling friend?
Reach Upward to God with the cry of your heart.
His eternal love will lend a new start.

His love has reached down to your broken soul.
And the breath of heaven will make you whole.
He sent his Son Jesus to be forever your friend.
And promised to stay with you until the end.

So take a moment to praise him.
From the depth of your heart
Give him your burdens
And get a fresh start.

Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made unto God, and the peace of God which surpasses understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Live Treasured

The Gift of the Lunch

The field was filled with people
Gathering in a crowd for that day
To see this man named Jesus
With Words from God to say…

In that crowd there was a young boy
With a satchel packed with lunch
Watching the Master speak with joy
What would happen, he had no hunch.

The Lord reached out to the child
Asking what he had to give
That would help him feed the people
As he taught them how to live….

“All I have to give to you ….
Is my lunch of loaves and fish”
But he gladly gave it to the Lord
Because it was the Master’s wish….

Then with a twinkle in his eye
Jesus smiled upon the lad
He received the gift he had given
Knowing it was all that the young one had.

Jesus  began to divide the lunch
As the boy watched in wonder
The Disciples then fed the crowd
And eased their  restless hunger.

So to experience God’s miracles
On this place that we call earth
Give to God the little we have
And He will multiply its worth.


Give Generously, Grow Graciously

Jeff Dyk

Song of Life

When the path I'm on seems filled with strife
God fills my heart with his song of life
Through each valley may I hear your voice
Lead me safely through every choice

To glorify my God with every breath
My voice rising above the shadow of death
Singing out the song of life in praise
As I walk in victory all of my days

God gives me victory in all of my days.

Psalm 23

Yet for His Glory

Some days I grow so weary
From the steps that I must stride
Yet for His glory I journey on
Emptied of sinful pride

I strive for a lasting faith
Deeper than my trial
Reaching for my hope in God
That my courage would make him smile

So I look for how he strengths me
As he promised he would do
I let his Spirit lift my soul
Knowing my God will see me through !

He has promised to see me through !

James 1:12 KJV
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

The Simple Joys of Life

The Simple Joys of Life

After a long encounter with some foot problems this past year, I was in the podiatrists office getting fitted for a custom pair of shoes.Down the hall from where I was sitting, I noticed a dignified lady in her late 50’s sitting and cross stitching some very nice patterns in a pillow she was making. She was smiling and laughing with some of the people in the office, and generally enjoying herself. Looking closer, I noticed that she was missing her right leg below her knee , and seemed to have problems with her eyes.

A few minutes had passed after this initial encounter, when she suddenly walked back and forth cheerfully before entering our room, sporting a big smile. With new tennis shoes on her natural leg, and the prosthetic steel leg that was attached at the knee, she began to tell my wife and I about how she had been born with a deformity that forced her leg to be removed when she was 3 years old. She was legally blind from birth. This was the first year that she had been able to get a prosthetic leg to work, and this was the first pair of normal looking shoes that she could wear. As she began to further tell us her story, she had been completely blind until a few years ago when a technical invention allowed her limited sight and color back in one eye. She jokingly tapped her finger on the other eye, and said they couldn’t do much with the fake eye, but that she was happy with one. For the first time in her life, she said she was able to actually see her son and recognize his face from having only been able to feel his face in years past.She was so proud that she could now walk and experience her life from a whole new perspective… and those beautiful new tennis shoes were the icing on the cake….

We asked her how she learned to do such beautiful cross-stitching with her handicap of being blind, and she said she learned to do all she could with her limited ability. She said she had the ability to feel patterns, and could feel texture that would make the art she was making look just right. She had her husband help her with the right colors that were numbered, and it all worked out beautifully. She proudly said that she made dinners with a specially built counter that had everything laid out on it. She could feel her way just fine, until (she laughed) she was made taller by the prosthetic leg. Then she had to relearn the positioning of everything.

As I walked out of the room with my new shoes,I began to realize how blessed we are to be able to see, feel, walk, talk, and experience life with normal situations. I learned a bit about courage, and attitude from this lady, and saw what not letting life get you down really meant.In spite of her handicaps, she had a bright outlook, a significant talent developed with limited resource, and a deep joy in the very simple improvements she was able to experience later in life. Her gratitude for experiencing her new shoes and eyesight that was simply contagious. It made me doubly thankful for my new pair of shoes after only 1 year of foot problems.

Her attitude reminded me of the verses :

Philippians 4:11-12-13

4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.

4:12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.

4:13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.

God Bless and have a Grateful Week.

Jeff Dyk

Healing Journey

The Road to health is a winding path
That I really wish could be solved by math
Because then I would put the equation in place
That would cure all ills that we face

But the road to health takes a courageous soul
And great faith in a God who makes us whole
Leaning on his everlasting grace
Taking each stride to reach that place

A single step at a time we must stride
Emptying our heart of doubtful pride
Allowing God's hand to hold our heart
While his healing touch makes its start

A Mountain of Faith

When faith comes up against a mountain
Which will be moved ?

When my trial seems like a mountain
And my faith looms ever small
I lean into my savior's arms
And He helps me stand up tall.

He made me an over comer
By the strength he gives to me
I fly over trials with eagle wings
To new heights from which to see

Isaiah 40:29, 31

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

[31] But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Today

Today is what we are given.
Tomorrow is for what we hope.
Yesterday has come and gone.
Don't sit around and mope.

So live today with all you've got
Your efforts will see reward
Take a step toward your dreams
And see what life affords.

Deflated…..

Deflated…..

Twas the night before football
And all through their locker
Not a football was fully inflated
What a shocker…..

The famous coach, full of hot air
stated he knew nothing
And why should he care>
Really…. Why should he care ?

The team leader, with his many rings
Smiled at the press, and said many things
“I just do my job, and throw what I’m given
But I like softer footballs to make my living.”

The media jumped on this like glue on a stick
And made many news clips, until we were all sick.
On and On went the news every day
Are deflated footballs here to stay ?.

They interviewed judges, and refs and ballboys
Each had opinions on this Sunday toy
Congress even stated their inflated opinions
Of rules for this game, like we are all minions.

So now we’ve discussed this every which way but loose
Let us get on with a Superbowl, and not be obtuse.
Let them play football, and be done with this debate.........
Just make sure before the game, take time to inflate.

Have Fun !

Jeff Dyk

Trading Trials for Treasure

Along came a storm on life’s wavy sea
Armed to take my spirit down
But I got down on my knee
I Laid my every burden down
for Heaven’s gate to see

The winds blew strong, the rain poured out
Lightening ripped through the sky
Thunder roared with a mighty shout
And waves hurled about so high

But as I tuned my ear to hear
The promises God made
“I will never leave you”
“I will lead you to some shade”

Then something amazing
Happened in the midst of a great storm
God’s peace overwhelmed me
He had sheltered me from harm.

It was through the storm that I did learn
to trade my trials for his treasure
His promises reach beyond the storm
And last beyond all measure.

Jeff Dyk

The Man in Me

Who is this man
That resides in me
How does he think ?
What does he see ?

Does he reach out to neighbors ?
Does he love his wife ?
Is he humble of spirit
In all avenues of life ?

Is he ready to serve ?
Or lift up his brothers ?
What is reflected by this man
In the sight of others ?

Who is this man
That resides in me
How does he think ?
What does he see ?

Does he trust God's promises ?
Does he kneel and pray ?
Do those around him
Trust what he says ?

Can he laugh in a moment ?
Or weep with a friend ?
Is his heart filled with courage ?
Will he stay to the end ?

Who is this man
That resides in me
How does he think ?
What does he see ?

Micah 6:8 NIV

[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Jeff Dyk

Listening

Listening

The voice of heaven doesn't shout
So it's hard to hear if you pout
It speaks so gently and yet so clear
Well worth the time to bend your ear.

In times of abundance it shines the light
Toward the provider who saw your plight
And provided the path that led to success
Lifting your soul to see you've been blessed

In times of discouragement when skies lie gray
It speaks to your heart to kneel down and pray
Lifting your burdens to God up above
Who strengthens your heart to be filled with His Love.

In times of reflection and peaceful abode
It speaks from God's word to shed light on your road
So take time to listen to God's voice from heaven
And be filled with the fruits of his Spirit of which there are seven.

Psalm 119:10-11, 105 KJV

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

[11] Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

[105] Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Mercy Came Down

Wandering on my journey
Up and down life’s winding ways
Looking for truths to stand on
Hoping for peace that would stay

That’s when Mercy came Down
Showed me the cross of Calvary
Where Christ had died for all mankind
From our sins to set us free

I came to a fork in the road
With arrows suggesting  different starts
One was broad and easy,  pleasures at every stop
Another steep and narrow,  God’s presence in my heart

That’s when Mercy came down
Spoke  God’s Everlasting Word to me
Became the light for that narrow road
The source of strength by which I’ve stood

John 1:3,4

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Seeking My Savior

I bowed on my knees
To seek my savior’s face
Pouring out my humanness and pride
Receiving fully heaven’s grace

Heaven met me there
While I was bowed
Peace filled my heart
Joy overflowed.

Live Treasured....

Never Separated !

Nothing in this life has ever come our way
That made God’s forever love toward us sway
He has promised his arms would always embrace
In the deepest , darkest valleys we would ever face

Neither the wars of man that burden this world
Nor the greatest injustice by people unfurled
Not the schemes of the devil have ever displaced
God’s love for us and his eternal Grace…
God has reached us with his eternal Grace….

God’s love extended us a place before his throne
Through the blood of Christ, for all sins to atone
Kneeling in prayer to lift our every concern and care
Will bring peace to our hearts beyond compare..

You see God is forever faithful to the promises of His Word
And that our humble prayers before him will always be heard, 
He will never forsake you or leave you in a place beyond his reach
And promises to guide you , your open heart to teach.

There is no depth that can be measured
That reflects how much we're treasured
God reaches us in the lowest of places 
Touches hearts , and brings joy to our faces.

There is no valley in which we trod
That isn’t filled with the grace of God
Nothing this life can ever bring
That can cause our hearts not to sing.

Keep Reaching Upward to the God who treasures every breath he’s given you…

Romans 8:35-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The "Be" attitudes (part 1 of 4)

Jesus climbed up a very tall mount
Followed by people too many to count
To teach on heaven's code for living
It starts with a heart of simply believing

Living with your soul filled with humility
Serving others with your God given ability
Will open your eyes to see heaven on earth
While showing to people their God given worth

Knowing for what to weep and mourn
Reaching out with comfort to lift the forlorn
Will open up showers of grace from above
And render your heart with peace like a dove

Matthew 5:3-4KJV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Faith and Courage

Faith and Courage

Faith is found in believing
In God who is forever true
Courageously trusting him
With all you say and do

There will be times that tempt you
To give in to your doubts and fears
Cry out to God who strengthens
And wipes away all tears

Don’t judge your life by circumstance
Because trials both come and go
Rather stand on God’s promises
And your Joy will overflow

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

The Cross of Calvary

The Cross of Calvary

When I look upon Calvary’s tree,
To see my Savior die for me
I scarce can keep my tears at bay
As God’s Grace washes my sins away

Christ came to earth from Heaven’s throne
And died that death all alone
To free us all from the curse of sin
And renew our spirit deep within

“Father Forgive them”  was his cry
As he hung on that cross in my place to die
And then with a whisper as loud as thunder
He said “It is Finished”… as I watched in wonder

Finished was the payment for my sin
I scarce had breath to take it in
Forgiven and Paid and Forever Free
God’s mercy displayed for all to see

Then conquering the death that paid for sin
The chords of death could not keep him in
Raising up from the pit of strife
My Savior arose and gave us life !

Now he’s gone back to heaven
To prepare us a place
Where we can be with him
And bask in his Grace.

Remembering Why He Came….
Happy Easter Week

Lonely Place

God called me to a lonely place
Where I could look upon his face
And pour out all my doubts and fear
To quiet my soul and be still to hear 

In that lonely place, I was not alone
But humbly kneeled before his Throne
Where he gave to me a peace within
My heart took wings, free from sin

In that lonely place, God's voice was clear
His perfect love drove away my fear
He set my eyes to things above
To embrace His eternal love

Now from that lonely place I come and go
To fill my cup to overflow
And fully live the life I've been given
Sharing the love of a Savior risen.

Looking upward to see inward to live outward.

Treasured Living.